Mastering Systematic Reviews: Tools, Strategies & Collaboration

Course Description

"Introduction to Systematic Reviews" is an essential course offered by StanfordOnline, designed specifically for members of the Stanford Medicine community. This comprehensive and engaging course provides a deep dive into the world of systematic reviews, a crucial component of evidence-based medicine and research. Throughout this introductory-level course, students will gain a thorough understanding of systematic reviews, their importance, and the various guidelines and tools used to conduct them effectively.

What Students Will Learn

Comprehensive understanding of systematic reviews and their unique features
Knowledge of different resource guidelines for conducting systematic reviews
Mastery of question development techniques for reviews
Familiarity with software tools that facilitate the systematic review process
Ability to search for systematic reviews in major databases like PubMed and EMBASE

Prerequisites

Valid Stanford login (required to access some course content)
An interest in learning about systematic reviews
Basic understanding of medical research concepts (helpful but not mandatory)

Course Content

Definition and distinguishing features of systematic reviews
Guidelines from the Cochrane Collaboration, National Academy of Medicine, and Joanna Briggs Institute
Importance of protocols in systematic reviews
Tools for supporting organized systematic review projects
Librarian collaboration in systematic reviews
Searching for systematic reviews in PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases
Small assessments to reinforce concepts and encourage reflection

Target Audience

This course is tailored for members of the Stanford Medicine community, including medical students, researchers, healthcare professionals, and librarians interested in enhancing their knowledge of systematic reviews. It is particularly beneficial for those looking to improve their research skills and contribute to evidence-based medicine.

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this course are highly valuable in various medical and research settings. Learners will be able to:

Conduct rigorous systematic reviews to inform clinical decision-making
Collaborate effectively with librarians and other professionals in research projects
Efficiently search for and evaluate existing systematic reviews on specific topics
Utilize software tools to streamline the systematic review process
Apply standardized guidelines to ensure high-quality review outcomes
Contribute to the advancement of evidence-based medicine and research

Syllabus Overview

Introduction to systematic reviews and their importance
Overview of guidelines from various organizations
Protocols and their role in systematic reviews
Tools for organizing systematic review projects
Librarian collaboration in systematic reviews
Searching for systematic reviews in major databases
Small assessments throughout the course for concept reinforcement